Ernest Nagel (1901 - 1985)

By Kirby1
  • An Introduction to Logic and Scientific Method

    An Introduction to Logic and Scientific Method
    Ernest Nagel and his former teacher, Morris Cohen, publish the book "An Introduction to Logic and Scientific Method". The book "richly illustrates the function of logical principles in scientific method in the natural and social sciences and in law and history" (Brittanica). They also "stressed the role of hypotheses in conducting research" (Ferrara). It became a successful book.
  • Impressions and Appraisals of Analytic Philosophy in Europe

    Impressions and Appraisals of Analytic Philosophy in Europe
    Ernest Nagel published "Impressions and Appraisals of Analytic Philosophy in Europe" in the Journal of Philosophy. This work "introduced Americans to the philosophical work of the European philosophers Ludwig Wittgenstein and Rudolf Carnap" (Yourdictionary.com). It also had an influence on his later dealings with logic and mathematics.
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    Changing Scientific Climate

    Nagel's book "The Structure of Science" added to the ongoing changes in the scientific climate at the time. His stance on logical positivism was partly overshadowed by Kuhn's "Scientific Revolutions". However, Nagel remained relevant throughout the times, and helped contribute to the "New Philosophy of Science" (Ferrara).
  • The Structure of Science

    The Structure of Science
    Ernest Nagel published his famous book, "The Structure of Science". He discussed four types of scientific explanation: deductive, probabilistic, teleological, and genetic. It became very popular, and "is still considered one of the most definitive works in this area of the philosophy of science" (Ferrara).